Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-08-18

learned, sir--no hard task-to love her de-
votedly. You know my family, my condi-
ton, and prospects in life. What i ask
is no small thing-the hand Of your daugh-
ter in marriage"
Harry Winters bowed and sat down,
while Mr.. Hapgood sprang to his feet.
"What is this?" he said excitedly. al
most savagely. "Marry my daughter
why, you can't mean i'll" Then, softening
in his manner. he advanced to the Young
mans chair and grasped his hand. "You
must pardon by abrup,ness. Harry, but i
was taken by surprise. Have you gained
my daughters consent before seeking
miner"
"No, sir" answered Winters: II could
not in honor do that, but 1 must admit she
knows my love for her, and that l have
reasons to hope thut it is not unrequited." +"
AS Harry spoke tho old man turned pale
and sank back in his chair.
"This is unfortunate" he murmured,
most unfortunate. You are an honorable
but you cannot, il glieves me sadly to say
it, YOU cannot marry INV daughter"
-sAnd why sot, -Mr. Hapeood2- Prey tell
me why not?"
Because she is promised to another"
"Another!" cried Harry, starting wildly,
she loves another! Impossible! / know
she loves mol"
81 did not say that. said she was
promised"
Might ask to whomP" faltered Harry.
TO Mr.. Clifford; you have more than
once met him here during the last month.
lie is an excellent young man. He loves
Alice. And then, you know, he saved my
life" answered Mr.. Hnpgood, softly.
Il understand" said young Winters,
sadly. "But Alico-has she consentodp"
She will, young man, at the proper
time; have no doubt about that. She
knows no will but mine"
Perhaps you are acting for the best, sir.
l know you think you are; but l feel that
your daughter can never be happy with
that man. Good evening, SIR" And, bow
ing politely, Harry Winters left the Hap
good mansion.
Alice, said Mr.. Hnpgood, as his fair
daughter. in obedience to his sum-
mons, entered the library, 81 have some
thing serious to say to you. / Lave received
"n atErolkA- rta-,nIk -iaflI1i 1auu ..O. ..s.o..
are you offered2 and who is the bidder,
papa?" said Alice, blushing, but not with
annoyance, for she had seen Harry leave
the house not ten minutes before, and sur
missed his errand.
THE offer, my daughter, which / have
accepted for you, comes from worthy
young man whom 1 respect and esteem
and whom you cannot choose but love, MIR.
John Clifford"
Alice Hapgood spoke no word, but turned
deathly pale, bowed her head in her hands,
and sank into chair.
The young gentleman" pursued the
father, not seeming to notice the daugh-
ter's agitation. loved you at first sight,
and has urged his suit upon several occa-
sions. have given my consent, and he
will speak TO you on the subject to-mor-
row."
"But, father, can never love Mr.. Cliff
ford. feel grateful 10 him rs the pro-
server of my dear fathers life. He is
handsome, educated, brilliant, but ! dis
trust him, and as for loving him AL
icc Hapgood shuddered in manner that
finished the sentence more forcibly than
could have been done in wordO.
any daughter, you do John an injustice;
you do, indeed. Ho is an honest, indus
trious, and in all respects an exemplary
young man, and as a son-in-l law he viii be
entirely satisfactory to me-"
"But as n husband he will not be so en-
tirely satisfactory to me-" And fair Alice
smiled amid her tears.
but, Ancc, We PROMISED you TO MT.
Clifford; you would not have me break my
word?"
"No, father, but you have wealth, great
wealth; offer him money"
would you have me insult tho man to
whom 1 owe my life, daughter?" And
Mr.. Hapgood frowned severely. Il did
offer to loan him ten thousand dollars
with which to engage in some business,
but he declined it promptly, saying that he
could not accept reward for simply doing
his duty; tLat was before he asked your
hand"
"And now he claims reward in diff
ferent form. He doubtless does not know
that am to be your heiress."
Daughter, your sarcasm fails to please
me But tell me, said the old gentleman,
suddenly, "have you any other attachment
that makes Mr.. Clifford SO distasteful TO
you?"
Alice turned red, then white, and finally
lurst into tears.
"Dont ask me, father" she exclaimed.
II certainly am not attached to Mr.. Cliff
ford. Grant me this one favor. Let moth
ing be said to me on this subject by this